Erie’s Charity Climate - Outside Erie

Erie’s Charity Climate - Outside Erie: "I just finished speaking with the northwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Besides having a great time (and seeing some familiar faces like Brady Louis, Kevin Moore, Judy Lawrence, Lisa Zompa, Bob Wooler, and Bruce Whitehair, to name a few), I got a real sense that local charities aren’t yet feeling the pinch of the recession."

"Voluntourism--taking a vacation that includes some charity work--is a travel idea whose time has come. In our May 2008 issue, Condé Nast Traveler held the World Savers Contest, asking readers to report on their good deeds with an essay and photo documenting a recent voluntourism trip. Our winner, Beverly Orthwein of Greenwich, Connecticut, displayed that passion and commitment we were looking for. Read her winning entry below, and stay tuned to the Daily Traveler to read more of our favorite contest entries."

Komen to add L.A., D.C. offices - Dallas Business Journal:

Komen to add L.A., D.C. offices - Dallas Business Journal:: "Susan G. Komen for the Cure is adding staff and opening offices in Washington, D.C., and the Los Angeles area next year as it attempts to broaden its scope beyond breast cancer research funding to include public policy, international and strategic development missions."

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Tayside and Central | Rare volumes left in charity bin

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Tayside and Central | Rare volumes left in charity bin: "A mystery donor has left four 18th Century volumes described by experts as incredibly rare in a charity book bin."

TODAYonline

TODAYonline: "They will train 15 families in the village of Phoolpur in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to set up and manage a dairy farm. It is one of the poorest communities in India, where average incomes are less than $1 a day."

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Where Goats Take to the Track to Loosen Donors' Purse (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Where Goats Take to the Track to Loosen Donors' Purse (Page 1 of 1): "The East African Women League, which was founded 91 years ago in Kenya by women associated with the colonial civil servants, have been involved in charitable ventures throughout East Africa but the goat derby sticks out as the most beautiful and enjoyable event. The derby started in Uganda."

Metro - Wal-Mart’s role as a donor

Metro - Wal-Mart’s role as a donor: "Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation, was the featured speaker at Thursday’s Greater Boston Chamber Women’s Network Breakfast. Under her leadership, the Wal-Mart Foundation is the largest cash-giver in the U.S. McKenna discussed the significant impact that the Wal-Mart Foundation has made worldwide, as well her ideas for improving education through philanthropy."

West Dallas volunteers make 6,000 tamales in two days for children's charity | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Cooking tips | Food | Dallas Morning News

West Dallas volunteers make 6,000 tamales in two days for children's charity | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Cooking tips | Food | Dallas Morning News: "he volunteers' mission: Cook 6,000 tamales over two days to benefit the Trinity River Mission, a West Dallas agency that helps children with homework, literacy tutoring and mentoring."

Wal-Mart charity chief: Nonprofits must team up - BostonHerald.com

Wal-Mart charity chief: Nonprofits must team up - BostonHerald.com: "Boston has too many nonprofit groups, Wal-Mart Foundation President Margaret McKenna said at a breakfast meeting yesterday.

And instead of fighting for survival in an economic downturn, these groups ought to be looking for ways to work together while continuing their mission, she said."

'Common Cents' offers unique philanthropy | thetimesherald.com | The Times Herald

'Common Cents' offers unique philanthropy | thetimesherald.com | The Times Herald: "Common Cents' offers unique philanthropy

October 24, 2008

Saturday, Oct. 25, is national 'Make a Difference Day.' Throughout the nation, individuals and groups will be working on projects that help their communities."

Policy and Passions Collide in Bolivia - washingtonpost.com

Policy and Passions Collide in Bolivia - washingtonpost.com: "The Peace Corps' evacuation of all its volunteers in Bolivia last month forced Swanson, 24, to consider these goals and make a choice: stay with the Peace Corps and finish his term in another country, or leave the organization and return to Mizque. He would not have the salary, health insurance, support network or protection that come with the Peace Corps, at a time of sporadic political violence in Bolivia and just after the government had thrown out the U.S. ambassador."

For nonprofits in a tough economy, marketing pitch must be perfect - The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

For nonprofits in a tough economy, marketing pitch must be perfect - The Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle: "New York (JTA) — Harriet Mouchly-Weiss has a two-foot tall stack of abject letters from nonprofit organizations telling her of their dire financial straits because of the economic meltdown.

It was probably an ineffective approach — at least for Mouchly-Weiss.

“If I get one more pathetic letter I am going to croak,” the New Yorker told JTA."

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ronald McDonald House betting big

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Metro -- Ronald McDonald House betting big: "Most fundraising professionals recommend charities have at least a third of the funds they need before starting construction on any major improvement.

“Typically you want to have up to 50 percent, at least 33 percent,” said Michael Nilsen of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, an industry trade group. Even “at the halfway point in this fundraising environment, it will be very difficult.”"

Tips on Wise Giving: Ensuring Your Contribution Is Used Appropriately - MarketWatch

PRESS RELEASE

Tips on Wise Giving: Ensuring Your Contribution Is Used Appropriately - MarketWatch: "'The last quarter of the year is extremely important for charities. Our studies show that the typical charity receives from one-third to one-half, or more, of their total annual contributions during this time,' said Paulette V. Maheara, CFRE, CAE, president and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). 'At the same time, people are especially mindful of their money in this tough economy, and donors need to feel confident about the charities they support.'"

Nonprofit Risk Management Center

Nonprofit Risk Management Center: "These days the news is all about risk in the financial markets. Many institutions and individuals are justifiably anxious about their investments, their banks, and their insurance companies. At the Nonprofit Risk Management Center we believe that facing a crisis has some benefits. What could possibly be the benefit of the current turmoil in the financial services industry"

Whole Story » Blog Archive » Cristina’s Story - Grameen Guatemala

A hat tip to Perry Anne for pointing out this story.

Whole Story » Blog Archive » Cristina’s Story - Grameen Guatemala: "In June of 2006 I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Guatemala with Whole Planet Foundation Team Member, Steve Wanta. The goal of the trip was to record the personal stories of several Grameen Guatemala borrowers in the Lake Atitlán region. The video footage we shot was used to create Cristina’s Story- the video above. This video illustrates the profound change that microcredit operations can create for the people who participate in them."

College's attempt at fundraising gives alumni the blahs - USATODAY.com

College's attempt at fundraising gives alumni the blahs - USATODAY.com: "RAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — An attempt to reach younger donors with a breezily written letter that uses the word 'blah' 137 times has some Framingham State College alumni questioning the school's professionalism, judgment and ... blah, blah, blah."

Meredith Clark: Money isn't all a philanthropist has to offer | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

Meredith Clark: Money isn't all a philanthropist has to offer | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat: "There's nothing like the United Way's annual fundraising drive to kick off contention in the workplace. In my experience as both a state employee and here at the Democrat, I've seen perceptions about the push divide folks into three camps."

Local couple makes philanthropy a livelihood

Local couple makes philanthropy a livelihood: "Joe and Jean Olivera were born and grew up in Santa Maria, built a life, a family, friendships, and along the way developed an inspired record of philanthropy for their hometown."

Santa steps in early as walkers ready for festive charity hike - Scotsman.com News

Santa steps in early as walkers ready for festive charity hike - Scotsman.com News: "The Cystic Fibrosis Trust – one of more than 20 charities set to benefit from the event – is offering Santa suits to the first 50 people, adult or child, to sign up. It is hoped other walkers will follow suit when they join the walk through the city centre on Sunday, December 7."

Staff editorial: Support the performing arts and charitable causes - Viewpoints

Staff editorial: Support the performing arts and charitable causes - Viewpoints: "As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers. But when it comes to raising cash for a good cause, we gladly support the Department of Performing Arts' assertion that success can be found in partnerships.

The department has reached out to student organizations for worthy causes. At some Friday night performances, the department will donate $1 of every ticket sold to a cause supported by a student organization. In exchange, the organization will mobilize its members to spread the word about the show."

SentinelSource.com | An Online Edition of The Keene Sentinel > Archives > News > Local > Nonprofit groups surviving

SentinelSource.com | An Online Edition of The Keene Sentinel > Archives > News > Local > Nonprofit groups surviving: "Philanthropy usually increases during periods of economic decline, she said, citing an article in this month’s edition of Advancing Philanthropy magazine, a publication of the Virginia-based Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Future Leaders in Philanthropy: Growing a Profession By Erin Hall-Westfall & Naomi Marshall

Future Leaders in Philanthropy: Growing a Profession By Erin Hall-Westfall & Naomi Marshall: "Growing a Profession By Erin Hall-Westfall & Naomi Marshall

Our old friends Academic Impressions, and the University of Michigan are joining forces for an event coming up on December 3rd and 4th in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is for leaders in education development who wish to create a program that mimics the University of Michigan’s Development Summer Internship Program.

In advance of the event, I asked my friend and UM connection Kat Walsh to recommend someone who could tell us more about the larger problem that Michigan's innovative program solves, the challenge of finding experienced professional fundraisers. She got right on it, and helped developed the following post about the lack of next generation leaders."

A massive exercise in charity -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY

A massive exercise in charity -- Page 1 -- Times Union - Albany NY: "'Over the past 10, 15 years we've seen a real strong increase in the number of these types of athletic fundraising events,' said Michael Nelson, spokesman for the Association of Fundraising Professionals."

Potlucking to support global women's empowerment - Santa Cruz Sentinel

Potlucking to support global women's empowerment - Santa Cruz Sentinel: "Move over community fundraising campaigns, mass mailings and downtown protests -- these days, the latest platform for global social change is none other than the traditional potluck dinner, where a circle of women, armed with casseroles, organic green salads and deli-made dolmas gather to study world issues and pool financial resources for needy causes."

MaineToday.com | News Update: Cancer walk sees over 600 participants

MaineToday.com | News Update: Cancer walk sees over 600 participants: "AUGUSTA -- Over 600 people were believed to have participated in today's Walk For Hope, a fundraiser and awareness event for breast cancer.

The 5K kicked off in the Sam's Club parking lot and meandered across Civic Center Drive to the Civic Center and up to the University of Maine-Augusta."

A new center for art, a new sort of arts philanthropy - The Denver Post

A new center for art, a new sort of arts philanthropy - The Denver Post: "This is how arts philanthropy usually works: Big donor writes check. Big donor hands check to opera or theater or museum. Big donor shows up at next black-tie gala.

This is how Laura Merage did it: She scouted out an old building in a gritty section of Curtis Park. She hired one of the city's most creative design firms to transform it into a massive, contemporary art gallery. She constructed 13 studios and invited some of Denver's most promising artists to use them at a fraction of the going rate."

DALIY TRIUMPH-Charity as a vehicle of social change

DALIY TRIUMPH-Charity as a vehicle of social change: "Charity as a vehicle of social change
By MARY EKAH
Philanthropists believe that charity, the art of helping the poor and the less privileged to find their footing, is a virtue. They maintain that one must not necessarily be wealthy to be charitable since little drops of water could make an ocean."

Food drive donations take a dive | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan,

Food drive donations take a dive | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan,: "The down economy appears to be impacting CSU's annual food drive, Cans Around the Oval, with unofficial totals showing a significant decline from last year's collection."

Editorial: Every little bit helps nonprofits | ShreveportTimes | The Times

Editorial: Every little bit helps nonprofits | ShreveportTimes | The Times: "Red River Radio faced a tough sell in its recent fundraising campaign. In between National Public Radio's ominous economic reports, staff and volunteers from the local station worked in requests for donations.
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The campaigns happen twice a year, and this time it fell during a particularly tough two weeks. Still, the station met 75 percent of its goal and even attracted about 300 new members."

Tithing in tough times | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger

Tithing in tough times | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger: "As the U.S. economic crisis deepens, churches face the same uncertainties as their members. Though it's too early to tell how the financial downturn will cut into their budgets, churches and charities expect the crisis at some point to hit their pocketbooks."

Our View: If nonprofits fail, many will suffer - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin

Our View: If nonprofits fail, many will suffer - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin: "survey released last week clearly shows nonprofit human service agencies are struggling because of the lack of support they receive from the state. One-third of those agencies are cutting staff. Others are reducing services and cutting programs. Without immediate attention, some could be forced to close their doors completely.


The result is many of the state’s needy may not receive the assistance they need.


It is an issue we have advocated for frequently in the past. The nonprofit agencies provide a valuable, cost-efficient and effective service. Without them, the burden to provide for those they serve will fall to the state — which is unable to match those services at the same cost or efficiency."

University forging ahead with plans for fundraising

University forging ahead with plans for fundraising: "AUGUSTA -- As colleges across the United States brace for a drop in donations and scale back ambitions accordingly, the University of Maine at Augusta will press on with plans to develop a fundraising operation from the ground up."

University forging ahead with plans for fundraising

University forging ahead with plans for fundraising: "AUGUSTA -- As colleges across the United States brace for a drop in donations and scale back ambitions accordingly, the University of Maine at Augusta will press on with plans to develop a fundraising operation from the ground up."

Dallas comic-book store takes part in charity marathon | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News

Dallas comic-book store takes part in charity marathon | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Breaking News for Dallas-Fort Worth | Dallas Morning News: "Comic-book artists stayed up late over the weekend – some for 24 hours straight – working on books and raising money for the Hero Initiative, a nonprofit corporation that helps struggling comic artists."

Area nonprofits feeling the economic strains | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC

Area nonprofits feeling the economic strains | BlueRidgeNow.com | Times-News Online | Hendersonville, NC: "Editor’s note: This is the second in an ongong series looking at the effect of the economic downturn on our community."

Tata gifts Cornell University $ 50 million

Tata gifts Cornell University $ 50 million: "Noted industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has gifted $ 50 million to his alma mater, Cornell University in New York, to help recruit top Indian students to support joint research projects with Indian universities in agriculture and nutrition."

Aussies taught not to drink for charity - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

Aussies taught not to drink for charity - Breaking News - National - Breaking News: "The idea was not to drink any alcohol for the month of July this year.

Phil Grove, Kenny McGilvary and Brett MacDonald handed over a cheque worth $257,582 to the cancer charity Dreams To Live For."